Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and unattractive, but don’t worry. There’s a new treatment option that can help you: Varithena! This gentle foam treatment can work wonders for your varicose veins and their appearance.
In this blog post, we’ll look at all the questions you probably have about a treatment you maybe weren’t yet aware of. We’ll cover:
- What Varithena is and how it works
- Benefits and potential side effects
- If Varithena is right for you
- Insurance coverage…
…and much more. Keep reading!
What is Varithena?
Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam) is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to improve the symptoms related to, and the appearance of, varicose veins.
How Does Varithena Work to Treat Varicose Veins?
During a treatment session:
- The physician numbs the injection site and administers a small amount of Varithena via a needle to your diseased vein.
- The microfoam fills the desired section of the vein.
- The vein walls collapse, and the vein closes. The foam gets diluted in the bloodstream and flushed out.
- After the procedure, your blood flows through other healthier veins (yes, you can always manage without a vein!), and Varithena leaves no permanent residue in your collapsed vein.
Is it a Safe and Effective Alternative to Traditional Treatments?
Yes. It’s proven to be both safe and effective. The reason you might be interested is on account of the many additional benefits. Here are a few that Varithena offers you:
- It’s a simple, minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
- The procedure is quick (less than an hour).
- No surgery is needed.
- Varithena is effective in treating veins of different sizes up and down your leg.
- The provider doesn’t need to insert a wire along the length of your vein.
- It’s nearly painless (only 4% of patients reported pain at the injection site during clinical trials).
- You only need one or two needle sticks per treatment.
- Varithena doesn’t need general anesthesia, sedation, or incisions.
- No heat is applied (so no risk of thermal injury).
- It doesn’t use glue.
- As we mentioned, Varithena dissolves in your bloodstream after treatment and leaves no foreign bodies in your vein.
Is Varithena Suitable for Various Degrees of Varicose Vein Severity?
Varithena can be used to treat
- incompetent great saphenous veins,
- accessory saphenous veins, and
- visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein (GSV).
Your healthcare provider will determine the suitability of Varithena for your specific case after a thorough evaluation of your vein condition.
What Are the Potential Risks?
The most common side effects of Varithena treatment are:
- discomfort, pain, or swelling in your treated leg
- pain, bruising, soreness, or irritation at the injection site
Less common side effects include blood clots in the leg veins, headaches, and dizziness.
How Soon Can I Expect to See Results After Undergoing Varithena treatment?
The timeline for experiencing results after treatment can vary between individuals. The initial results are immediate, of course, but the final results can take a couple of weeks or a couple of months depending on the size of the veins.
In clinical studies, after just one session the majority of patients treated with Varithena experienced:
- improved symptoms (including heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing, and itching)
- improved vein appearance (assessed by both patients and physicians)
How Many Varithena Sessions Do I Need for Effective Results?
Trials have shown that typically only 3.4% of patients needed treatment again in the same area. However, multiple sessions might be needed depending on the size and number of the varicose veins you want treated. If this is you, the sessions would take place 6 weeks apart.
What Can I Expect After the Treatment?
Even if allergic reactions are rare, your healthcare provider will monitor you for at least 10 minutes post-procedure. If everything looks good, you will have bandages and compression stockings applied to your leg that you have to wear for 1-2 weeks.
But the good news is you can usually return to your normal routine on the same day – although we recommend you
- avoid strenuous exercises for one week,
- walk at least 10 minutes daily, and
- prevent prolonged inactivity for 1-2 weeks per your doctor’s recommendations.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits?
Treating varicose veins with Varithena offers you not only immediate relief from discomfort and improved vein appearance but also long-term benefits for your vascular health.
That’s because closing off the diseased veins and redirecting blood flow to healthier pathways reduces your risk of future varicose veins complications. It also improves your circulation.
In addition, investing in Varithena treatment rejuvenates your appearance and supports your long-term vascular wellbeing – which allows you to lead a more active and comfortable life.
You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to be done with your bad veins!
Am I a Good Candidate for Varithena?
In general, you can qualify for Varithena treatment if you have varicose veins and experience:
- Heaviness
- Achiness
- Swelling
- Throbbing
- Itching
During your initial consultation, to assess your eligibility, your healthcare practitioner may discuss your medical history, considering issues such as:
- Arterial disease
- Reduced mobility
- History of blood clots
- Any recent major surgeries or hospital stays
- Pregnancy (recent, current, or planning tone)
- Allergy to polidocanol
- Breast-feeding
Does Insurance Usually Cover Varithena Treatment?
Varithena treatment for varicose veins may be covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but coverage may depend on the severity of your symptoms.
Take a look at our recent post where we explained how insurance coverage for varicose veins is changing rapidly: Utilize it while you can.
Your provider can help you understand your coverage. Not all insurances cover the procedure, and it may be an out-of-pocket cost for some patients who are good candidates for the treatment.
Let Denver Vein Center Help You Take Charge of Your Leg Health!
With a quick procedure time and the potential for improved physical symptoms and vein appearance, Varithena is definitely worth considering. We have several finance options as well. So if you’re interested in learning more about Varithena and whether it’s right for you, contact us at Denver Vein today and let’s talk!